Monthly practice room, or hourly studio time?

[Adwex]

Just curious about your thoughts and experiences on this...the band I recently joined/formed has been practicing weekly in a decent size studio, 2 (sometimes 3) hours @$30/hr. split 5 ways ($12 each). Since I much prefer to use my own amp rig, I've been lugging it every week (the rack is heavy, and the studio is upstairs).

We negotiated a deal on a small, monthly room for $425/month. The room is small, and it'll cost about double what the studio costs, but we can leave the equipment there, and we can use the room all we want without watching the clock (2 hours/week isn't enough time).

Ok, the pros and cons are obvious I know...double the $ for a small room with no PA (singer will have to buy one), but flexible access and no lugging heavy equipment. What would you do?

 

[PocketGroove82]

a month after I bought a gym contract for 1 year, I stopped going.
make sure you are truly paying buy the month, so if the band breaks up you aren't still paying for the room.

 

[koogie2k]

Good point Pocket. Also, make sure that you guys/gals who pay their part know it is for the month and if they quit...no money is given back.

I fortunately don't have that problem. My drummer garage out back of his house is our practice facility and we can play all day and night as it is sound proof.

If they all agree on the monthly, do it. But, make sure it is a month by month basis and don't get locked into a "lease" if you can help it.

The pros are being able to leave your equipment provided the space is secured.

The bad...paying for the space obviously.

 

[SteveB]

Check the building security. You don't want to leave all your gear and then come back to find it stolen. This happens *a lot* with rehearsal spaces.

Do what you can to improve the security.

 

[Straight UP]

I personally would never leave any of my prised gear in one of these facilities..

We are fortunate that we practice at the drummers place in the basement..Even there I do not leave my giging gear..I leave my other rig.. It's one that if I lost it I would be disapointed but nut crushed It was gone..

Some of these practice facilities are not as safe as you may think to leave stuff in..
If you go that route think about insuring your gear..Yes I know it is something we do not give much thought to..but at least you will have some recourse (maybe) if your gear is stollen..

 

[Adwex]

Thanks for the replies guys, but I pretty much had no choice, the other guys were too gung ho and wouldn't take no for an answer. It's more money, but it's so cool to have a place of our own. I'm not really concerned with security, the front door locks, there's an alarm system, our doorknob locks, and we have a padlock on the door as well, and we through-bolted the hasp. Last night I brought the rest of my stuff there, then we went to GC so the bass player could buy a $1000 bass amp and cabs, yeah baby. It is quickly becoming a home away from home.

Buh-bye hourly upstairs studio with crappy amps.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Thanks for the replies guys, but I pretty much had no choice, the other guys were too gung ho and wouldn't take no for an answer. It's more money, but it's so cool to have a place of our own. I'm not really concerned with security, the front door locks, there's an alarm system, our doorknob locks, and we have a padlock on the door as well, and we through-bolted the hasp. Last night I brought the rest of my stuff there, then we went to GC so the bass player could buy a $1000 bass amp and cabs, yeah baby. It is quickly becoming a home away from home.

Buh-bye hourly upstairs studio with crappy amps.

I hope it works out ok for you!

 

[Straight UP]

Good Luck and don't forget about insurance..

 

[Adwex]

I hope it works out ok for you!

Thanks. So far, so good. I've been there almost every day since we moved in. Played hard last nite, my fingers are still sore. I'll try to borrow a camera and take pics of the room.

 

[puppyonacid]

Good luck man. Our band is between rehearsal space. I've said that I'm not interested unless it's a place we can make our own. Haveing to pack up, load up, unload, un pack, set up, tune up, get a sound, rehearse, pack up, load up, unload, set up again at home is a no no for me. It sort of kills the vibe when al lyou want to do is plug in and play. And play as long as you want as well. I think you did the right thing. I personally would be cheesed if my amp got stolen but not heart broken. Course, the question of ever leaving a guitar is a complete no brainer.